Principal Research Associate, Protein Engineering

Arbor Biotechnologies • Cambridge, MA

18h • $95,000 - $110,000

About The Position

This role generates and tests protein variants to improve Arbor’s genome-editing tools, with a focus on precision, delivery, and effectiveness in relevant cells. The role executes molecular biology and cell-based screening workflows involving AAV, IVT mRNA, and sequencing readouts; troubleshoots experimental issues; and recommends next steps based on results. The position manages multiple workstreams and communicates findings that help shape protein engineering campaigns.

The Principal Research Associate partners with upstream design and downstream testing teams on planning, prioritization, and handoffs. The role documents experiments and prepares data summaries for cross-functional review.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, cell-based assays, and protein variant evaluation.
• Experience supporting protein engineering, directed evolution, gene editing, or similar screening campaigns.
• Tissue culture experience, including transient transfection, nucleofection, or transduction.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments or workstreams with general guidance.
• Ability to troubleshoot independently, analyze results, document carefully, and explain findings clearly.

Nice To Haves

• Industry experience is preferred.
• AAV production, IVT mRNA workflows, sequencing library preparation, or cell-based editing assay experience.
• Experience with CRISPR or other gene-editing technologies.
• Experience with Illumina sequencing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments supporting protein engineering campaigns, troubleshooting production, delivery, and assay performance.
• Generate and evaluate protein mutants and variants for genome-editing applications.
• Run cell-based screening workflows, including transient transfection, nucleofection, and transduction in dividing and non-dividing cell models.
• Design, package, and test AAVs for variant evaluation.
• Synthesize, purify, characterize, and test IVT-generated mRNA.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and support analysis of editing outcomes, variant performance, and assay quality.
• Interpret data, summarize findings, and communicate results clearly to project teams.
• Recommend follow-up experiments, controls, and workflow improvements.
• Keep accurate records and prepare data summaries for cross-functional review.
• Partner with upstream design and downstream testing teams on planning, prioritization, and handoff.

Benefits

• Every employee is eligible for a bonus and new-hire equity.
• The company pays approximately 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums and funds the full deductible on its HSA plan.
• 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay.
• Paid parking or transit.
• 401(k) match.
• Discretionary time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal